Former Moldovan Deputy PM Spinu becomes secretary general of presidential administration

CHISINAU. Feb 13 (Interfax) - Former Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister, Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister Andrei Spinu has been appointed secretary general of the presidential administration, the presidential press service said.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu signed the respective order on Monday. It will take effect on February 14.

Vyacheslav Neguta, who occupied the position until now, will become economic advisor to the president.

Spinu is back to the position he held before being elected to parliament in July 2021 and being appointed deputy prime minister in August 2021.

Moldovan Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita tendered her resignation on Friday. By constitution, the resignation of the prime minister leads to the resignation of the entire government. The government will continue to perform its duties until the new government is sworn in. Sandu has nominated Presidential Security Advisor, Secretary of the Supreme Security Council Dorin Recean for prime minister.

Experts believe Spinu's appointment aims to prevent any speculations on his possible membership in the new government.

Spinu has been repeatedly criticized by the opposition and media, in particular, over talks on gas supplies to Moldova and power supply to the western bank of the Dniester from Moldovan GRES in Transdniestria.